Histological Evaluation of the Effect of Tamra Bhasma (Copper Based Metallic) and Jasada Bhasma (Zinc Based Mineral) Formulations on Testis of Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction: The metallic or herbo-mineral preparations used in the Indian system of medicine may cause a toxic effect on mammalian tissues. The broad therapeutic usage of these formulations in the form of Bhasmas is required to be ascertained for any adverse effects on the reproductive system. Aim: Present study was undertaken to evaluate the toxic effects of Tamra Bhasma and Jasada Bhasma on male gonads using Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: The experimental animals were divided into five different groups comprising of five male rats in each group. Group-I rats were used as the control. Group-II rats received Tamra Bhasma at a Therapeutic Dose (TED). Group-III rats received Tamra Bhasma at five times of therapeutic dose (TED×5). Group-IV rats received Jasada Bhasma at a therapeutic dose (TED), and Group-V rats received Jasada Bhasma five times of therapeutic dose (TED×5) for 28 days. The testes were harvested from these rats, the gross weight of each testes was noted and further processed for histological studies. Results: Testes of the experimental rats treated with both Bhasmas at therapeutic dose level did not show toxicity changes histologically. However, upon the exposure to a higher therapeutic (TED×5) level, it did show the histological features with the indication of decreased spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Test drugs were relatively safer and did not produce any marked toxic effect. However, at higher doses both drugs may produce toxicity on the testis. The higher dose used in the present study was much higher than routinely practiced clinical doses. Therefore, dose-dependent usage of these Bhasmas is recommended.